So many authors, so many books! From left, I posed with author Jamie Ford and conference chair Jenny Quinlan, all the books I picked up at the conference, and author Weina Dai Randel and me.

At the Historical Novel Society North America 2023 conference last week, I heard a lot of stories of success: writers who feed their families by royalties alone, or got an agent, or got a contract, or self-published a best-seller.

Then there was Lisa Wingate. She made a joke about how she’s the model for how to find success in 30 books or less. Her breakout book BEFORE WE WERE YOURS was her 30th novel, and her first NYT best-seller.

She offered plenty of encouragement for those of us just starting out, or stuck in the middle, or on the verge of thinking we’ll never make it as an author.

Her comments came at the end of a great conference, attended by more than 500 people, both in person and virtual. (I’m proud to say I served on the board that brought that conference to life.)

It also came after the comments of author Jamie Ford, who said to the delight of everyone in attendance, “Historical Fiction is the most important genre.” I realize writers from other genres might argue about that, but his message was clear. Historical novels relate not only stories from the past, but universal truths. They touch our hearts and our minds.

So these two wonderful authors—along with so many thought-provoking presenters—challenged me to get back to work. With new energy, and great inspiration, it’s time.

Maybe I’ll find success in 30 books or less.

For more information on HNS, go to their homepage. The next conference is in Las Vegas in 2025.